5 Unbreakable Facts About Ariana DeBose And Sue Makkoo's Powerhouse Relationship

The relationship between Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose and her partner, acclaimed Broadway costume designer Sue Makkoo, continues to be a beacon of stability and mutual support in the entertainment industry. As of December 2025, the couple remains strong, balancing DeBose’s explosive film and stage career—with major releases like the 2025 film Kraven the Hunter and her return to the stage in *The Baker's Wife*—and Makkoo’s celebrated work in costume design and academia. Their bond, which began behind the scenes on a Broadway production, highlights a rare, grounded partnership away from the Hollywood spotlight, often spending time at their home in Upstate New York.

This deep dive into the lives of Ariana DeBose and Sue Makkoo reveals not just the chronology of their romance, but the powerful professional synergy between two major forces in theater and film. From shared red-carpet moments at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party to their individual, high-profile projects, their journey is a masterclass in navigating public success while maintaining a private, supportive life.

Ariana DeBose and Sue Makkoo: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile

The partnership between Ariana DeBose and Sue Makkoo is a convergence of two distinct, yet complementary, worlds within the performing arts. Their professional profiles are as impressive as their personal connection.

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Ariana DeBose: The Oscar-Winning Trailblazer

• Full Name: Ariana DeBose
• Born: January 25, 1991, in Wilmington, North Carolina, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: Afro-Latina (of Puerto Rican, African-American, and Italian descent)
• Key Career Milestones:
  • Broadway Debut: Began her career on Broadway, notably in *Motown: The Musical* and *Pippin*.
  • Breakout Role: A Tony Award nomination for her portrayal of Disco Donna in *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical* (2018).
  • Oscar Win: Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Anita in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of *West Side Story* (2021). This made her the first openly queer woman of color and the first Afro-Latina to win the category.
  • Upcoming Projects (2025/TBA): Starring in the action-thriller *Kraven the Hunter* (2025), the romantic comedy *Love Hurts* (2025), and the stage production of *The Baker's Wife* (running through late 2025). Other projects include *House of Spoils*, *Two and Only*, and *Razzlekhan*.

Sue Makkoo: The Acclaimed Costume Designer and Educator

• Full Name: Sue Makkoo
• Profession: Costume Designer, Costume Director, Educator.
• Family: A single mother of three children.
• Key Career Milestones:
  • Broadway Work: Has an extensive career in costume design and direction for Broadway and regional theater.
  • Notable Design Projects: Designed costumes for the 2022 Tony Awards ceremony. She has also worked on the national tour of the musical *Ain't Too Proud* (2024).
  • Recent Theater Design: Credited as the Costume Designer for the La Jolla Playhouse 2024/2025 Season production of *Guards at the Taj*.
  • Academic Role: Currently serves as a professor of fashion and costume design at the Manhattan School of Music.

The Origin Story: How Broadway Brought DeBose and Makkoo Together

The foundation of Ariana DeBose and Sue Makkoo’s relationship is rooted in the collaborative world of musical theater. Their connection began professionally, a common narrative for many long-lasting industry relationships.

The couple reportedly first met while working on the Broadway musical *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical*, where DeBose was a Tony-nominated star and Makkoo was part of the creative team.

Their relationship is believed to have blossomed around 2018. This backstage synergy quickly developed into a supportive, long-term romance that has spanned DeBose's meteoric rise from a Broadway star to an internationally recognized, Oscar-winning film actress.

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Despite a reported age difference of approximately 20 years, the two have consistently demonstrated a deep, supportive bond, proving that shared professional passion can transcend typical industry barriers.

Navigating Public Life and High-Profile Success as a Couple

The true test of any Hollywood relationship is how it handles the intense scrutiny that comes with major awards and blockbuster films. DeBose and Makkoo have managed this by keeping their private life intentionally low-key, while still celebrating major milestones publicly.

The Oscar Night Celebration

One of their most memorable public moments was following DeBose's historic 2022 Academy Award win. While DeBose attended the ceremony with her mother, Gina DeBose, she reunited with Makkoo immediately after. The couple was absolutely glowing as they held hands at the exclusive Vanity Fair Oscar Party, a moment that captured the joy and pride of Makkoo for her partner’s monumental achievement.

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Makkoo often uses her social media to express her pride, sharing a sweet selfie after the Oscar win with an emotional caption, demonstrating her role as DeBose’s biggest champion.

Current Projects and Shared Living

The couple’s professional lives remain incredibly active, providing a constant source of mutual inspiration. DeBose is currently balancing a return to the stage in *The Baker's Wife* with major film roles like the villain Calypso in Sony’s *Kraven the Hunter* and the romantic lead in *Love Hurts*.

Meanwhile, Makkoo’s work continues to define the visual landscape of American theater, with her costume design featured in the 2024/2025 season at the prestigious La Jolla Playhouse. She also actively shapes the next generation of artists through her teaching role at the Manhattan School of Music.

Despite their busy schedules, they maintain a grounded life together. They share a country cottage in Upstate New York, a deliberate choice that offers a retreat from the intense pressure of Los Angeles and Broadway's core. This shared home base allows them to prioritize their relationship amidst their demanding, coast-to-coast careers.

The Impact of Their Queer, Intergenerational Partnership

Ariana DeBose and Sue Makkoo’s visibility is significant, especially given DeBose’s status as the first openly queer woman of color to win an acting Oscar. Their relationship naturally contributes to the representation of diverse love stories in the public eye.

Their intergenerational romance, with Makkoo being a mother of three and a respected veteran in the theater world, challenges conventional Hollywood narratives. It highlights a relationship built on deep respect, shared artistic values, and a mature understanding of life’s complexities.

The couple embodies a powerful message: that love and partnership can thrive across different career stages and life experiences, grounded in a shared passion for the arts. As Ariana DeBose continues her ascent in film, supported by Makkoo's steady presence and creative insight, their story remains one of the most compelling and authentic partnerships in the industry today.